Peru is a land of contrasts – soaring Andes, misty cloud forests, ancient ruins and buzzing cities – and you’ll need at least a week to explore. Trafalgar’s 8-day Highlights of Peru itinerary takes you deep into the heart of this South American country. Wander the cobbled streets of Cusco, the former Inca capital, and explore the mysteries of magical Machu Picchu. Get to know the living traditions of the special Sacred Valley, and taste your way across Lima, one of the world’s most celebrated culinary scenes, from fresh ceviche to artisan chocolate.
On this special Peru tour you’ll meet Local Specialists and artisans, learn about the past and present, and discover new stories and flavors. Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Step into Lima, the capital
¡Bienvenidos a Perú! Your journey begins in Lima, the buzzing Peruvian capital where history and heritage mix with a cosmopolitan energy. After landing at Jorge Chávez International Airport, transfer to your hotel in the heart of the city and get ready for this 8-day Peru itinerary.
Experience a warm welcome this evening when you meet your Travel Director and fellow adventurers for a welcome dinner. Dive straight into Peru’s world-famous cuisine – maybe fresh ceviche with a tangy citrus kick, tender lomo saltado, or a hearty causa layered with potato and avocado. Pair it with a refreshing pisco sour and toast to the adventure ahead.
It’s the perfect start to your 8-day Peru journey. Rest up for tomorrow’s discoveries, or take a leisurely stroll along the Miraflores boardwalk for ocean views and the glow of city lights.
PERU ITINERARY: Highlights of Peru
Day 2: Dive into the flavors of Lima
Wake up ready to discover Lima, the culinary capital of South America. Start in the city’s UNESCO-listed Historic Center with a Local Specialist who will share tales of the city’s colonial grandeur and modern life. Explore Baroque façades of the Cathedral of Lima and the Palace of the Union, then wander into the Church of San Francisco to uncover its hauntingly beautiful catacombs.
In the afternoon, switch gears from history to food when you meet celebrated chef Ignacio Barrios, who has worked alongside some of Peru’s culinary greats. Stroll through a local market on this Be My Guest experience, where Ignacio will introduce you to the exotic fruits, fresh seafood and vibrant produce that make Peruvian cuisine world-renowned. Then head to his cooking school for a hands-on lesson covering Peru’s most iconic dishes – and enjoy them as part of a special Be My Guest lunch.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Lima. You could wander the artistic streets of Barranco and sip coffee in a leafy plaza, or join an Optional Experience to explore Lima’s interactive fountains, or a walking tour of the lively Miraflores district.
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Day 3: Fly to the Sacred Valley
This morning, board a flight to Cusco and journey straight into the heart of the Sacred Valley. Here, time-honored traditions are still woven into everyday life. MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® when you visit Manos de la Comunidad, a weaving center where local artisans keep alive the ancient craft of lindaje.
The experience continues as you meet Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, a master Quechua weaver and cultural pioneer. The first from her village to attend university, Nilda has spent her life championing Andean traditions and preserving pre-Columbian weaving techniques for future generations. By visiting, you’re helping to keep this remarkable heritage thriving in the 21st century.
Tonight you’ll rest your head somewhere special – a former 18th-century colonial monastery turned into a charming hotel. Best of all, it’s set in the heart of the Sacred Valley. Rest up, tomorrow you’ll meet an icon!
Day 4: Explore the world-famous Machu Picchu
Get ready for a travel day you’ll never forget – today, the legendary Machu Picchu awaits. Begin at the Sacred Valley site of Ollantaytambo, a remarkable Inca stronghold that offers a taste of what’s to come. Then settle into the Vistadome train, its wide windows revealing dramatic valleys, rivers and snow-dusted peaks as you wind your way deeper into the Andes.
Then… the moment you’ve been waiting for. Rising through the clouds, Machu Picchu appears like a dream: a lost city of temples and terraces suspended on a remote mountaintop. One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, this is the crown jewel of Incan civilization. It’s a place that will stop you in your tracks and will take your breath away.
With a Local Specialist, you’ll explore its most iconic treasures – from the Temple of the Sun and the Sacred Plaza to the enigmatic Intihuatana, a carved stone that may have once measured the heavens. Discover the stories and mths about this mystical citadel in the sky.
Day 5: Round two at Machu Picchu, then onto Cusco
This morning, the gates of Machu Picchu open once more. A second visit means a second chance to soak up this wonder. Linger on a terrace and take in this city above the clouds as you watch the mist lift over the peaks. It might seem crazy to visit the same landmark twice, but once you see this ancient Incan marvel you’ll understand.
Later, board the train back through the Sacred Valley. Along the way, the group will pause at a traditional chicherÃa. This local tavern or bar is a place where you can try chicha, a traditional fermented corn beer enjoyed in Peru for centuries. It’s sweet and slightly tangy!
By evening you’ll reach Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire and one of South America’s most interesting cities. You have two nights here to soak it all in.
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Day 6: Step into the past in Cusco
This morning, hit the streets of Cusco for a sightseeing tour that reveals the city’s layered history. Here Spanish colonial architecture rises from the foundations of ancient Inca temples. Admire the baroque Cathedral on the Plaza de Armas and step inside the 17th-century Church of Santo Domingo. Explore the mighty ruins of Sacsayhuamán fortress and see the ancient storehouses where the Incas once kept their grain.
The afternoon is yours to explore however you choose. You might join one of a few Optional Experiences on offer – from uncovering Inca ingenuity in salt harvesting, to diving into Cusco’s hidden stories, going off the beaten track with a local guide, or even rolling up your sleeves at a chocolate-making workshop. Or just relax at your own pace – whether that means people watching in a local square, shopping for souvenirs, or visiting a museum.
Day 7: Return to Lima, dive into Pre-Columbian Art
After a leisurely start to the day, fly back to Lima for an afternoon of more culture. Your Peruvian journey continues with a visit to the Rafael Larco Herrera Museum, home to the world’s largest private collection of pre-Columbian art. Wander through galleries filled with ancient ceramics, intricate textiles and displays of gold and silver that trace Peru’s civilizations back thousands of years. The museum is housed in a beautiful 18th-century colonial mansion built atop a pre-Columbian 8th-century pyramid!
Later, ss the sun sets, gather with your fellow travelers for a memorable farewell dinner in the museum’s garden restaurant. Surrounded by layers of history you’ll toast to a perfect week in Peru, reminiscing on the stories you’ll tell to friends and family back home.
Day 8: Depart Lima
Today wraps up your Highlights of Peru adventure and this discovery of an ancient civilization. Say goodbye to your fellow travelers at breakfast. There may be some time for last-minute exploring, souvenir hunting, or a quiet stroll through Lima before your Travel Director assists with transfers to the airport.
Don’t forget to swap contacts with your new friends! Later, you’ll have plenty of time to reflect on the incredible memories you’ve made – from the heights of Machu Picchu to the flavors of Peruvian cuisine.
Have you been to Peru, or is this itinerary on your travel bucket list? Leave a comment…